Six brands issue recalls so far in November

SIX different manufacturers have issued recall notices for 9342 vehicles so far this month to rectify a series of unique faults.

The biggest shares of the affected vehicles belong to Audi and Jeep, which are each recalling more than 2600 units to rectify potentially faulty transmissions.

Audi’s primary recall affects 2783 individual vehicles – all MY11-13 A1s, A3s and TTs – and revolves around the transmission pressure accumulator which could potentially crack due to a manufacturing fault.

“If the pressure accumulator cracks, oil and pressure is lost in the hydraulic system of the gearbox,” the notice reads.

“The experience of this symptom would be comparable to depressing the clutch in a vehicle fitted with a manual transmission.”

A sudden loss of power while underway inevitably increases the chances of a crash and/or injury, so Audi Australia is reportedly in the process of contacting all known owners of affected vehicles.

Eight MY20 Q5s are also being recalled to address a potentially faulty weld in the adjusting mechanism of the backrest of the front seats – owners are similarly being contacted.

Jeep’s recall meanwhile only affects a single model; the KL-series Cherokee.

Produced for the 2014-17 model years, 2609 vehicles are being recalled to address potentially faulty differential gear splines within the power transfer unit.

If the splines fail, it could cause a loss of power and/or for the Park setting for the transmission to not engage.

“FCA Australia will contact affected owners and invite them to visit a Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership for repair, free of charge,” the notice reads.

Volvo occupies the next biggest share and is recalling 2559 MY01-03 S60s and S80s to replace a potentially lethal airbag inflator which could rupture in the event of a crash.

According to Volvo, metal fragments may be propelled through the airbag cushion towards occupants.

While the symptoms may sound familiar to the ongoing Takata recall, Volvo Australia has confirmed to GoAuto the affected cars are fitted with Autoliv airbag assemblies and ZF inflators.

“Due to the age of these vehicles our first step is to check with NEVDIS as to how many cars are still on the road,” a spokesperson said.

“These are very old cars and we expect many of these to be out of service or scrapped.”

Replacement parts for the MY01-03 S60 and MY02-03 S80 are expected to be available from February next year while MY01 S80 owners will have to wait until November.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) meanwhile is recalling 796 MY18-20 Kona Electrics to either correct a software error or replace the lithium-ion battery pack after it was discovered the battery may short circuit after charging,

“If an electrical short circuit occurs, this could result in a vehicle fire which can increase the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, bystanders and/or damage to property,” the notice reads.

“Affected vehicles need to be parked in an open space and away from flammable materials and structures, that is, not in a garage.”

While the brand goes though the processes of contacting affected owners, it is also encouraging people to not charge their Konas beyond 90 per cent.

Sticking with software, Mercedes-Benz has announced 571 MY19 CLAs will be receiving an over-the-air update for the communication module for the emergency call system (eCall).

“If the eCall system is incorrectly programmed, in the event of an emergency it would not be possible for the vehicle occupants to connect with emergency services, either manually or automatically,” the brand said.

“As a consequence, emergency vehicles may not be directed to the affected vehicle or may be delayed. This could increase the risk of death if a serious injury has occurred.”

Fellow German brand BMW also issued a fresh recall, this one for 48 MY19-20 X3 and X5 SUVs following the discovery of loose front seatbelts.

According to the recall notice, the front seatbelts may not be “screwed on to correct specification” and significantly increase the risk of injury in a crash.

BMW Australia will contact all known owners.